Thebmostatic



R. H. MAPLE May 2 1933 'rHERnsrA'rIcl CIRCUIT BREAKER l Re. 18,816 K origina Filed sept. v25, 1922 :s sheets-sheet 2 Eo r H. MHP/ 5.

ATTORNEYS.

R. H. MAPLE May 2, 1933. THEMosTATIc QRGUIT BREAKEH` Re. 18,816

Original Fld Sept- 25. 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 3y l0 Za 56 I .Plq. '1L

gz 8' 8' I I INVENTOR.

Bor A75/DLE.

ATTORNEYS.

Reisaued May 2, i933 l UNITED STATES] nor n. MAPLE, or 11mmNnoLrs,"1NnnNA, AssiGNoB., n! 'misma lassremmamrs, To.

` I-'r-E ernennnnmxnaco., A oonrona'rron `or Naw JERSEY f Re. v18,816

PATENTVOFFIC rnmosrarlccmcn'rr Banania 'AIhis invention relates to improvement! vin circuit breakers. o l" The chief object of this invention is to provide a circuit breakerwhich is of low capacity so that the same is adapted to replace the present fuse construction. r y

Another object ofthe invention, and probably the most important, consists in construct-'- ing the device in such a manner that the usual line switch associated' with the fuse is replaced by a combination thermally controlled switch, whichv is positively'r protective 1n its vaction in that las long as thc load is on the line the circuit cannot be permanently closed.

Another object of the invention isto construct the devicein 'such a -manner that the elements thereofarenot releasable when suby jected to excessivevvibration.

A further object olf-the invention isito construct the same in such a manner that the device may be enclosed to `prevent any'excess' whatsoever to the mechanism, unless'the complete swltchl mechanism 1s vcntlrely removed from the circuit byvprior removal from its su port. -1

he full'nature of' this invention will be understood from the accompanying drawings and the following description and claims:

-In the drawings, Fig. l1 is a top plan view of the invention showing the samel as a two pole switchconstruction with one switch con-'v struction.` in the closedl circuit position .and the other in the open circuit position. Fig. 2

. is a crosssectional view. j Fig. 3 is a similar 35 view showing thethermally controlled .parts in the open circuit position and the manually controlled parts in the closed position'.v Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the thermally controlledparts in the closed circuit position and l "the manually controlled parts in the-'open cir'- cuit position. Fig. 5 is a top plan AView of the thermal member and the catchandlatch associated therewith. Fign `6 -is a side elevational view ofthe same.A Fig. 7 is an" end elevational view of the same. Fig. 8 is across sectional viewshowing the details' of'mounting a portion of the switch mechanism. Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a portion of the cover and supporting base showing the means for securing thesame together. Fig. 10 is. aA cenvtive cover.

In the drawings 10 vindicates an insulat original application nieu september 25, iszaseriai No. 550.237. Renewed Nevember 10,1930.v original No. 1,812,162, dated June 30, 1931. Application forreigsue led October 24, 1932. Serial No. 889,349. l

tral sectional 'View taken on the line 10- 10 of FigLQ, and shows the same construction. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the thermostat support and the travel limit means. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the thermostat ing base provide-d in th'e'pre'sent instance with a pairof thermally controlled devices pair of switches associated therewith,` the switches and the thermally controlled device being manually operable by a common member, in a manner hereinafter tobe described. While a plurality of similar units are herein illustratednthe invention is not to be limited. to a plurality, but may be constructed of a single thermally controlled device and a single switch or a plurality'ofeach.

protecl and a llas i Since the thermally controlled devicesv are y substantially identical, a description of rone will suiiice for them both."y Astandard 11 having the base portion 12 suitably supports lthe kstud 13 vwhich is adjustably positioned in said standard by means of atool engagelable portion-14 and the lock nut 15. The

portion 14v permits the stud to be engaged by a. suitable 'tool'y and saidstud may be turned inthe bracket intothe ,desired position to secure a predetermined amount 'of movement upon the passage of a predetermined current through the thermallyy ,responsive element herein shownin the form of a thermostat 16, which-is coiledf and hasits vinner end '17 se-' cured inthe slotted `end of the stud 13, see Figs.j5,-6 and When stud 13 is adjusted it' isl permanently secured as by soldering.

' The otherendvof the thermostatis provided' with a catch'portion 18 havingthe retaining edge 19 'andthelsupporting portionQO. The supporting portion 20 is not only secured tothe front end of the coilv thermostat, but

also securesone end of a shunt vor pig tail member 2l. '.'The particular angular position and form of thee'dge 19,'when associated with a roller 22 carried by. the pin 23," is such that said catch retains" said roller in the latched position even under extreme vibrato conditions and the passage of current through the thermostat of slightly less value than the normal operative current of the thermostat. In operation the v assage of cur-- v rent through the thermal mem er 16 extends said thermal member and theretaining member 18 is withdrawn rearwardly or rather outwardly from the roller 22 and the movement is also such that the member 18is moved downwardly as well. The roller rest's upon the edge -19 until it is free from the retainm f member 18 and, thereafter is released an I0 moved upwardly with a support associated `prisesa .to said base." This -terminal 2 5 is connected y to the load side of the circuit.

The particular switch construction controlled by the thermal construction complurality-of spring contact fingers 26 suitab y secured, as shown in Fig. 2, to the base V10 -at 27 and by the bolt and nut means 28 and 2 9 respectively. One of the spring'ingers 26 carrles anarc resisting protective/member3. The spring finger contacts 26 Aare connected to the live slde of the .line of the circuit.

. sides of t e Vplate 34 and concentric with articular pivot -31 suitably secured to the IbaselO by meansof the cotter pins 32 and 33 is a U-shaped plate 34 having the side ortions 35 which are apertured to receive t 'e f ivot 31. Between'the ears or the pivot, is a coil spring 36,".which has one end- 3 7 bearing upon said side member 34 and the other end 38l suitably secured to or fbearing A.Ku-pon the base 10- so'that said coil Y -side wall 35 of thelplate member 34 ivotally spring normall tends to maintain the plate member 34 in e open lcircuit position. The

supports at 39 a contact roller 40. lerein a airvof said rollers vis illustrated in tand utit is to be understood that if des' d a roller may be associated with each of the .side

' lwalls 35,01: the numberof rollers may be ine creased ordiminished or. other 'contact' arc resisting .means substituted therefor. The roller40 enga the farc resisting contact member 30 an contacts the arc-when fthe switchis o pn or closed. The plate 34.is'

v provided with two forwardl extendin arms.

41 which are twisted and rilledto orin a pair of bearm d -for .the pin 23 carrying the roller 22. Wen the plate member v34 is caused to' close the circuit -by means 4of thel roller 40 engaging the Contact 30, current is transmitted from said plate member 34 to the plate l12 by means of the pig tail or shunt .construction 21, which is electrically connect- 23 and hereinaftento be depoint support insures ab-- solute rigidit of t issie,

construction the thermostat moves .outwardly to permit the roller 22 to pass and belatched l thereby. f Suitable 'means for manually closing the thermall 'controlled switch comprises an insulating lock 42 each end of which is grooved at 43'tobe secured to a U-shaped handle 44 having the arms 45 whichare provided with trunions 46 pivotallysupported by thecotter pins 47. One trunnion'46 is extended and` orms a handle 48 whereby the insulating member may be moved into engagement with' the plate 34 for closing the thermally controlled switch. The side walls 35 of the plate 34 en a the insulating member42 as shown clear y 1n Fig, 2 and as shown in Fig. 4, said insulating member 42 is adapted to move the plate 34 into closed circuit position.

Reference will now be had to Figs. 1 to -4, inclusive, and Fig. v8; In -said figures a U-shaped current conducting member 50 is simultaneouslysecured to the base 10 with the prmgnger 26 and is in electrical connection erewith. The U-sha ed member 50 is provided Awith two inwardJ ing coil spring' 36 when latching the thermal ly extending parallel ends which pivotally support a switch plate 52.' The switch plate 52 is herein showncut away at 53 to form an yarcuate edge for clear" switch' member. EPositioned in alignment with the switch plate 52, is a spring co'ntact o f any usual or dpreferred form 54, which is suitably 'secure to a contact strip 55 by means'of the bolt and nut 56 and 57 respec.

tively, thereby maintainin said switch 'contact and the contact strip 5 upon thehinsulationgbase 10;V The contact strip\55 terminates -1n a terminal. 58 .substantially similar to the terminal 25 andsaid terminal 58 isl adapted to be connected tothe current supply l-ine' and,

therefore, the live side of the line. The contact `switch late 52 is provided with a pro-` jecting portion 59 and the insulating member to receive the rojecting portion 59.

From the oregoing 1ty will `be observedv that/ msulatm member 42 is rigidly secured in position y means of the U-sliaped handle 44 and the contact plate or plates 52. v'It will/also be noted that in order-to close the thermally controlledswitch itis neces-v n sary' toopen the circuitbetwe'en the switchL i plate 52 and the contact 54, and after said switch.. has been closed in order to supply current to the circuit, the handle must v-be moved into the opposite direction, as y xshown in Figs. 2and8, and close the circuit through/the switch plate 52 and contact 54.-

Ilf theabnormal circuit conditions persist, current will'A again passthrough the thermostat and release the switch controlled thereby and'thereby prevent the passage of current to the load. Thus, the load will be protected at all times. `In order to close the 42isvprovided with an opening 60 adapted 110 thermally controlled switch, after the second 'operation thereof, it is again necessary to open the mainline switch including the plate 52 and contact 54 `and thereby open the whole circuit in order to close the thermally controlled switch.4 So long as the abnormal condition exists in the load circuit `it is impossiblev to supply current to the load circuit-without having the thermally controlled switch operate.

With the foregoing construction it will be realized that the device is absolutely fools proof so far as av single line is concerned and the device is adapted to replace the fuse and switch construction now employed as standard wiring members. It will, of course, be understood that the capacity of the switch is determined by the kind and amount of material and thevconstruction of the thermostat. All of the current passes through the thermostat, although, if desired,l the thermostat may be shunted and a portion of the current pass through the shunt.

In the drawings there is illustrated a double switch construction which may be utilized in direct current wiring or single phase alternating current wiring system. The generic idea of the invention as shown herein, which may be briefly stated as non-closing, load in the line switch, may be extended to multiple phase alternating current system without departing therefrom, but such an extension cooperative arrangement between the phases forms no part of the present invention, but is reserved for subsequent application.

A further feature of the invention is to make the same fool-proof, in that it is always desirable to prevent tampering or unauthorized interference with the switch construction. A cover is provided which is suitably apertured to permit the handle 48 to extend through said cover and the cover 70 is provided with a flange portion 71 and, as shown clearly in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 10, the

vbase 10 is apertured at 72 andin said aperture there. is secured a bolt 73 which is associated with the nut 74 which is provided with a flat face, sa'id face enga ing u n the side of the cover 70. The nut t us is eld against rotation bythe cover. Likewise the cover, when secured to the base 10 b means of the bolt 73, cannot be removed rom said base without first removing the base 10 from its support. Under-the underwriters Ypresent wirin requirements,` a grounded cabinet m'ust e provided and said grounded cabinet is so constructed that the line wire and the load kwire must beQ disconnected from the switch construction 'supported by the baselO before said base can be removed from said cabinet. The removal of the cover 70 from the base 10, to permit access to be had tothe switch construction, necessitates the r removal of base 10 from its support to get controlled switc lat bolt 73. Only a competent electrician will follow the foregoing inconvenient procedure, and this is what the device isintended to insure, as .well as automatically protect the load circuit.

In order to fully protect the catch, thermostat and the mountlng thereof, a ycap is provided, said cap comprises a top portion 80, a pair of adjacent dependin walls 81 and an apertured side wall 82 wit a retaining portion 83. Said cap construction is adapted to substantially enclose the thermostat member 16 and yet permit the latch to be associated with the catch portion. The nut l5 secures the cap to the stud 13, and preferably is soldered to the standard 11 when said stud 13 and nut 15 aresoldered thereto, thereby forming a rigid joint. To prevent excessive movement of the thermostat, thus permanently deforming the same, a stop member 85, see rFig. 11, is provided `which is suitably secured to the" late 12 and limits movement as indicated in igs. 1 to 4, inclusive.

The invention claimed is:

1. An electric switch construction includ-- ing in combination a plurality of thermally operable switches, each havinga current conducting and movable switch controlling member, a plurality of manually operable switchesl each in series with one of the othen switches, vand a single common mea-ns differentially associated with both types of switches at the same time.

2. In an electric switch construction the combination of a plurality of manually controlled switches, a plurality of thermally controlled switches each having a current conducting and movable switch controlling i member and being each in serieswith one of the other switches, and a single common means associated Awith allot said switches for closing the same.

3. In an electric switch constructionl the combination of a plurality of manually controlledl switches a plurality of thermally hes each having a current conducting and movable switch controlling member and being each in series with one of the other switches, and a. manually operable single means simultaneously associated with all the thermally o erable switches for closing the same or al the manually operable switches for closing the same.

`4. An electric switchconstruction including in combination a thermqstatically controlled switch having a current conducting and movable switch controlling member, a'

.manually operable switch in series therewith, and means associated with both switches but at different times for closing the same.

5. An electric switch construction includ-v ling in combination a plurality of thermo'-l i' statically controlled switches each having a current conducting' and movable switch controlling member, a plurality of manually operable switches, each in series with one of the .other switches, and a single common means differentially associated with both types of switches at the same time.

, 6. In an electric switch construction the combination of a plurality of manually controlled switches, a plurality of thermostatically controlled switches each having a current conducting and movable switchl controlling member and 'being each in series with one of the other switches, and a manuallyl operable single means simultaneously associated with all the thermostatically controlled switches for closin the same or all the manually operable switches for closing the same.

8. In a thermally controlled, switch the combination-of an enclosing casin a thermally expansible member, means or limiting the expansion movement of said thermally expansible member, and a. protective cap for said thermally expansible member.

9. In a thermally controlled switch the combination of an enclosing casing, a thermally expansible member, a supporting member therefor, means for limiting the expansion movement of said thermally expansible member and supported by said supporting member, and a protective cap for said thermally expansible member also supported by said supporting member.

10. Inl a thermally controlled switch the combination of a current conducting and movable thermally expansible switch controlling member, a switch member controlled by said thermally expansible member, a second switch member positioned adjacent the first mentionedswitch member, and a roller means `carried by said first mentioned member for n gaging said second mentioned switch memer. 11. In a thermally controlled switch the .combination of a current conducting and movable thermally expansible switch controllin member, a switch member controlled by said thermally expansible member, a second -switch member positioned adjacent the first mentioned switch member,- a roller means carried by said first mentioned member for engaging said second mentioned switch member, and arc resisting material upon said second mentioned switch member for the purpose described.

12. In a thermally controlled switch the combination of a current conducting and mov'- able thermally expansible switch' controlling member, a switch member controlled by said thermallyexpansible member, a second switch member positioned adjacent the first mentioned switch member, and a plurality of rolland a housing therefor including a pair of adjacent sides, a top and an apertured side for the reception of a thermostat support, and a retaining portion associated with the top and ,4

one of the sides positioned as a fourth side.

15. In a thermally controlled switch the combination of a current conducting and.

movable thermally actuated control member, a catch controlled thereby, a pivotally supported platepprovided with a pair ofv projecting portions in spaced relation, a pivot pin supported by said projecting portions, and a roller supported by said pin in the space between said portions and engageable by said catch.V A

16. In a switch construction the combination of a pivotally supported switch member, an insulating member extending transversely of said switch member, a U-shaped rod pivotally supported and adapted to stra'ddle said insulating transverse member, and a pin-and slot connection between said-switch member and said'. insulating transverse member,

whereby the latter is rigidly secured between said switch member and said second mentioned transverse member.

17. In a switch construction the combination of a plurality of pivotally supported switch members, an insulating member extending transversely of said switch members, a U-shaped rod pivotally supported and adapted to straddle said insulating transverse member, and a pin and slot connection` between each of said switch members and said insulating transverse member, whereby the latter is rigidly secured between said switch member and the U-shaped rod and the switch members are simultaneously movable.

18. An electric switch construction includin a plurailty of thermally releasable switches, each includin a current conducting and movable switc controlling member, a plurality of other switches, each other switch being in series with one of said-thermally releasable switches, and a common closing means .for successively` and simultaneously closing different types and each type of switches respectively'.

1,9. In a thermal switch, the combination 1 of a contact member'biased to open circuit position, a latch normally retaining said 4 member in closed circuitposition, a thermal element having an electric current passing therethrough for effecting release of said latch upon occurrence of predetermined cir,- cuit conditions, and said thermal element being adjustable to vary said predetermined' conditions, and a protective cap permanently secured over said thermal element to prevent tampering with the same when once adjusted.

20. In a thermal switch, the combination of contact members biased to open circuit position, a latch normally retaining said.

members in closed circuit position, a thermal element .having an electric current passing therethrough, said element normally retainin said latch in circuit closing'position but re easing the same to permit movement of said contact members to open circuit position when predetermined current conditions exist in said thermal element, adjusting means for varying said predetermined conditions, and

a protective cap permanently secured over said adjusting means to prevent tampering therewith whenonce adjusted.

21.In a thermal switch, the combination of contact members relatively movable to open and closed circuit positions, a thermal element having an electric current passingA therethrough, said element normally retaining said Contact members in closed circuit position but releasing the vsame to open circuit position when predetermined current conditions exist in said thermal element, said thermal element being adjustable to vary said predetermined conditions, and a protective cap permanently secured over said thermal element to prevent tampering with the same when once adjusted. j

22. In a thermal switch, the combination `offcontact members relatively movable to open and closed circuit positions, means releasably restraining said contacts 1n closed circuit positions, a thermal element having an electric current passing therethrough for eiecting release of said means upon occurrence of predetermined circuit conditions, adjusting means for varying said predetermined conditions, and a protective cap permanently secured over` said adjusting means protective cap permanently secured over said nthermal element to' prevent tampering therewith. Y

24. In a thermal switch, the combination of contact members, latch means normally retaining the same in closed circuit position, a thermal element having an electric current passing therethrough, said element normally retaining said latch in circuit closing position but releasing the same to vpermit movement of said contact members to open circuit position when predetermined current conditions exist in said thermal element, a movable mounting for said thermal .element movable to vary said predetermined current condition, and means for locking said mounting in adjusted position.

25. In a thermal switch, the combination of contact members, latch means normally revtaining the same in closed circuit position, a

thermal element having an electric currentv passing therethrough, said element normally retaining said latch in circuit closingposition but releasing the same to permit movement of said contact members to open circuit posi'- tion when predetermined current conditions exist in said thermal element, a stud on which one end of said thermal element is mounted,

a support in which'said stud is rotatably mounted, movement of said stud serving to adjust the position 'of said thermal element for varying said predetermined current condition, and means for locking said stud on said support. v

26. In a thermal switch, the combinationY of contact members relatively movable to open and closed circuit positions, a thermal element having an lelectric current passing therethrough, said element normally retaining said contact members in closed circuit position but releasing the same to open circuit position when predetermined current conditions exist in said thermal-element, and a protective cap secured over said thermal lelement in position to limit the hmovement thereof within the ehistic limit of,said element. i 27. A circuit controlling device, incapable of restraint in circuit closing position during abnormal circuitconditions, comprisin pivoted structure adapted to be restraine spring means for biasingsaid structure to open-circuit position, a thermally-actuated member for releasably restraining said spring means, a manually operable member oscillatable to effect circuit rupture and closure and having a movement to eii'fect restraint of said spring, and va subsequent movement effecting circuit closure, and means affording 16st motion connection between said structurer and said manually operable member to allow movement of said structure upon release of said spring. v

28. A circuit controlling deviceincapable of restraint in circuit closing position during abnormal circuit conditions,l comprising structure adapted to be restrained, a thermally responsive bi-metallic releasing member therefor, a pivoted manually operable member movable in one direction to e'ect restraint of said structure, movable in rebetween said structure and said manually l verse direction to effect circuit closure, and

operable to eii'ect circuit-rupture independ-l ently of releaseby said bi-metallic member, and means affording lost motion connection operable member to allow movement of said structure upon release thereof.

29. A circuit controlling device. incapable of restraint in circuit closing position during abnormal circuit conditions, comprising a.

base member, structure mounted thereon adapted to be restrained, a thermally responsive bi-metallic member for restraining said structure mounted upon said base, a membe positively manually operable in dili'erent said structure, in opposite direction to ef-v feet circuit closure, and subsequently in said first named direction to effect circuit rupture, and means ,affording lost motion connection between said structure and pivotedmember to allow movement of saidstructure in re'- sponse to release thereof.

31. A circuit controlling device, incapable of restraint in circuit closing lposition during abnormal circuit conditions, comprisin a base, structureA mounted thereon adapte to be restrained, a thermally responsive bimetallic member adapted to effect release of said structure, a cover -for enclosing said structure and bi-metallic member, a pivoted member operable externally of said cover, movable inv one direction to effect restraint of said structure, in opposite direction to eiect circuit closure, and sub uently in said first named direction manual y to open said circuit, and means with-in said cover affording lost motion connection between said structure and said pivoted member to allow movement of said structure in response to release thereof.

32. A circuit controlling device, incapable of restraint in circuit closed position during abnormal circuit conditions, comprising a base member, structure mounted thereon ,adapted to be latched, thermally res onsive bi-metallic means for eiecting unlatc ingof said structure under abnormal circuit conditions, an oscillatable member movable in one direction to effectv latching of said structure, movable in reverse direction to eiitect circuit closure, and subsequently movable in said first named direction to effect circuit rupture without release of said structure, a cover preventing access to said restrainable structure and said bi-metallic member, means securing said cover in place, said oscillatable member operable from vthe exterior of said cover, and cabinet structure preventing unauthorized access to said cover-securing means.

33. A multipolar circuit controlling device comprising a plurality of independently movable structures and means individual ing position, a plurality of thermall re- -thereto for restrainingl them in circuit clos-'' sponsive devices for el'ecting release o said structures individually, and manually operable means comprising means for effectingsimultaneous circuit closure at such of the poles of said device as may be open and for effecting simultaneous circuit rupture at such of the poles of said device as may be in circuit closing position.

34. A multipolar circuit controlling device comprising a'plurality of independently movable structures adapted t0 be restrained, a. plurality of thermally responsive members for effecting release of said structures individually, housing structure for said device, and an oscillatable member manually operable externally of said housing structure, adapted by movement in one direction to eiect restraint of all of said structures which are free, and movable in reverseV direction to eii'ect circuitclosure at such of the poles of said device as may be open.

35. A multipolar circuit controlling device comprising a plurality of independently movable structures adapted to be restained, a plurality of thermally responsive members for effecting release of said structures individually, housing structure for said device, and an oscillatable member` manually operable externally of said housing structure, adapted by movement in one direction to effect restraint of all of said structures which are free, movable in reverse direction to effect circuit closure at such of the poles .of

said device as may be open, and movable subl sequently in said first named direction to effect circuit rupture at all poles.

36. Mechanism for controlling operation of switching apparatus comprising a plurality of thermal-responsive devices, a plurality of latching members individual to and releasably held by said thermal-responsive devices, and an operating member movable in one direction to effect relatching thoseof said latching members previouslyv released,

and movable in opposite direction toeifect circuit closure and to permit said thermal devices individually to release their latching members. g

37. In circuit-breaking mechanism incapable of restraint in circuit-closing position on overload, mechanism for controlling operation of movable contact structure of said circuit breaker comprisingmovable means, means for .restrainmg the same 1n predetermined position, a plurality of thermal devices selectively operable to effect release of said movable means, spring means for eiecting movement of said movable'means upon, release thereof, and a member movable to return said movable' means for restraint in said predetermined position and for concurrently re-tensioning said spring means.

38. A circuit controlling device incapable j of restraint in circuit closing position during abnormal -circuit conditions, comprising a base, mechanism mounted thereon including structure adapted to bc restrained, spring means for biasing said structure to open circuit" position, and means for releasing said spring means including a thermally-actuated member responsive toabnormal circuit conditions, a member manually operable to actuate said mechanism to eect circuit rupture and closure, cover structure, for enclosing said mechanism while affording access to said manually operable member, secured to one side of said base, and means for securing said cover to said base inaccessible from said` one side thereof.

39. A circuit breaker comprising a base,

circuit breaker mechanism mounted thereon,

:a thermal-responsive device mounted o n said base and effecting tripping of said mechanism upon occurrence of abnormal circuit conditions, a cover for enclosing said thermal device, means transmitting movement of said thermal device from within said cover to said circuit-breaker mechanism to effect tripping thereof, y second cover secured to and with said base forming a housing for said mechanism, and a member manually operable externally of `said second cover to actuate said mechanism.-

In witness whereof, I have hereunto aliixed my signature.

' ROY H. MAPLE. 

